C-Forum

We're updating the canoe fleet this coming season with maybe 5 new boats. We mostly get canoists age 50+. Do you think if we update the existing fleet of mostly older style boats with the more modern styles we'll attract a wider variety of canoists? If so, what would you suggest as good options for a commercial outfitter that would be more attractive to potential customers?

Our existing canoe equipment:

C-1s
Dagger Atom (2)
Dagger Cascade (3)
Perception Ultraclean

Solo Canoes
Bell Ocoee
Esquif Zoom
Esquif Vertige
Mad River Outrage (2)
Mad River Outrage X (2)
Mad River Rampage
Mohawk Probe 12 (2)
Mohawk Viper 12

Tandem Canoes
Esquif Blast
Esquif Vertige X
Mad River Howler
Mad River Synergy
Mohawk Probe 14 (2) - Tandem or Solo
Mohawk XL 15 (2)

Thanks!
Shannon

Viper 11's

Out of your current fleet, which boats are the most popular with your boaters? Have you had requests for certain boats that you don't have?

From what you can read all over, it look like it woud be a must to have a few L'Èdges. What about a BigDog Force OC1( not out yet, but soon!). And wile I'm at it, a Black Fly Option!! Ok an other canadian one, Hellman Otter, 10' 35lbs...

I'd guess that if you had some more modern Options, you'd be able to market to a younger crowd. People like having Options.

I'd also suggest adding a modern c-1 river runner conversion, something like a Large burn.

The L'edge is also an obvious choice.

The Viper 12, Outrage, and tandem Blast are probably the most popular of our current fleet. We haven't had much feedback on what people would like to see added, so I'm thinking boat selection might be limiting us from potential guests. I like the Burn or equivalent popular conversion idea and I was also thinking a Fly and L'Edge since they are so popular. If you wanted to come boating in Costa Rica, most likely for a week of personal first descents, what would you want to see offered in our inventory?

And I like the Option option - can't wait to do some demoing! Should hold up better than Royalex on the rivers here.

Straight up: Prelude, L'Edge & Blackfly are all missing.

After that: A C1 new school playboat (the Jackson boats are well regarded) would probably find some use and A C1 river-runner/creeker (My money would be Nomad, Jefe, Remix or Pure; but the Everest, Diesel and Force are all well regarded by people who like boats with edges.)

Pink... definitely PINK

+1 on the Burn or Remix C1s.... outfitted with an adjustable, comfortable, and secure setup of course.

agrestal wrote::

C-1s
Dagger Atom (2)
Dagger Cascade (3)
*Perception Ultraclean*

?! I thought I was the only one who C-1ed an Ultraclean

I would imagine stocking / outfitting C-1s would be challenging...

I'd second the plastic open boat suggestions - L'Edge, Spanish and Black Flies, Prelude, etc.

sbroam wrote:I would imagine stocking / outfitting C-1s would be challenging...

Not really, Knee and thigh straps on a dagger (Or Larry Horne special) saddle, with velcro hip pads and backband and you're done.

Also It's possible to make outfitting that takes standardised push fit bulkheads that each person could cut to fit, from less than $10 worth of foam (I don't have photo's yet).

Also if the Ultraclean is as slicy as the Mr Clean, I imagine it's a freaking amazing boat!

I'm strongly considering coming in 2012 after you get a L'Edge on the roster.

Hey Shannon

When I spent my week with CRR last spring, the fleet seemed to be a little slanted toward to the big, conservative boats.

This was good for about half the group, who were not ready for little and sporty. But for the other half. . . ?

I would agree with many of the above comments -- time to bring in some smaller, hi-tech hulls: L'edge, Prelude, Viper 11, more Ocoees, and -- Yes -- maybe some 'Fly' boats: Spanish Fly, Blackfly.

C-1s -- Yes! As Larry said, Burn and Remix conversions are among the most popular.

And -- time to weed out the old soft squishy hulls!

Rick

looks like "old school" is pretty well represented. i'd say balance that with the hottest boats out there- blackfly option, and l'edge.

A Spanish Fly would be great on your rivers and a tandem Blast would be excellent fun. If you had those I would paddle both for a change up.
A Detonator would be all round good.

Irregardless, a good smart canoe Rigging Outfitter on the crew makes a big difference in the clients experience and the word of mouth.
A mismatched boat can be changed tomorrow and no boat is new forever but a poorly rigged or maintained boat gets hung on the company.
Stock vynll bond and D rings, sheet happens.

It's great you are "upping" the fleet, two friends are heading down your way in week so your rep is good. Let us know what you boats you pick.